What Happened to Don Lemon?
Don Lemon is an American television journalist known for his long tenure at CNN, where he hosted 'Don Lemon Tonight' and later co-anchored 'CNN This Morning.' He was fired from CNN in April 2023 following a series of controversies and has since launched his independent venture, 'The Don Lemon Show,' which streams on YouTube and other platforms. As of early 2026, Lemon has faced federal charges related to a protest he covered and has publicly contemplated a future presidential run.
Quick Answer
Don Lemon was fired from CNN in April 2023 after 17 years, following controversial on-air remarks and allegations of misogynistic behavior. He subsequently launched 'The Don Lemon Show' as an independent digital program, initially planned for X (formerly Twitter) before a dispute with Elon Musk led to its independent distribution on platforms like YouTube. Most recently, in January 2026, Lemon was arrested on federal charges related to livestreaming an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church, to which he pleaded not guilty. He has also publicly stated he has considered running for president.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Joins CNN
Don Lemon joins CNN as a correspondent, beginning his long tenure with the network.
Becomes Host of 'Don Lemon Tonight'
Lemon rises to prominence as the presenter of his prime-time show, 'Don Lemon Tonight,' which he hosted until 2022.
Accused of Assault
Bartender Dustin Hice accuses Lemon of assault, leading to a lawsuit that was later dismissed after Hice withdrew his accusations. Lemon consistently denied the allegations.
Announced as Co-Anchor for New Morning Show
CNN announces Lemon will co-anchor a new morning show, later named 'CNN This Morning,' with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Controversial Comments on Nikki Haley
Lemon draws widespread condemnation for on-air comments stating that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, at 51, was 'not in her prime.' He later apologizes.
Allegations of Misogynistic Behavior Surface
Variety publishes a report detailing allegations of misogynistic behavior by Lemon towards female colleagues dating back to 2008, which Lemon denies.
Fired from CNN
CNN fires Don Lemon, a move he states came as a surprise and was communicated via his agent. CNN disputes his account, stating he was offered a meeting.
Announces 'The Don Lemon Show' on X
Lemon announces plans for a new show, 'The Don Lemon Show,' to be launched on Elon Musk's social media platform, X.
X Deal Canceled by Elon Musk
Elon Musk abruptly cancels the partnership with Lemon for 'The Don Lemon Show' on X, shortly after Lemon interviewed him.
Sues Elon Musk and X
Lemon files a lawsuit against Elon Musk and X for breach of contract, claiming he was refused payment for the canceled deal.
Alleges Sexual Harassment at CNN
Lemon alleges on Bill Maher's podcast that he experienced sexual harassment from both male and female colleagues while working at CNN.
Livestreams Anti-ICE Protest at Church
Lemon livestreams an anti-ICE protest inside Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, during a worship service.
Arrested on Federal Charges
A federal grand jury returns an indictment, and Lemon is taken into custody in connection with the Cities Church protest.
Released and Pleads Not Guilty
Lemon is released without bond and pleads not guilty to federal charges, asserting his actions were protected by the First Amendment.
Considers Presidential Run
During an appearance on 'Pod Save America,' Lemon states he has considered running for President and believes he could 'definitely run this country better than Donald Trump.'
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Don Lemon, born Don Renaldo Lemon-Clark, built a prominent career in American television journalism, joining CNN in 2006. He gained significant recognition as the host of 'Don Lemon Tonight' from 2014 to 2022, where he often provided outspoken commentary on political and social issues. Prior to CNN, Lemon worked as a correspondent for NBC and anchored local news programs, earning accolades such as an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the Washington, D.C. snipers.
Lemon's career at CNN took a new direction in September 2022 when he moved from his prime-time show to co-anchor the new morning program, 'CNN This Morning,' alongside Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow. This period was marked by several controversies, including on-air clashes with co-hosts and widespread condemnation for comments made in February 2023 regarding Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's age, stating she was 'not in her prime.' Reports also surfaced alleging a history of misogynistic behavior towards female colleagues dating back to 2008, which Lemon denied.
On April 24, 2023, CNN announced Lemon's termination, a move he described as a surprise and a firing, claiming he was not informed directly by management. CNN, however, stated he was offered an opportunity to meet with management but released a statement on Twitter instead. His departure coincided with a decline in his popularity among viewers and difficulties in booking guests. Following his exit, Lemon announced in January 2024 plans for a new show, 'The Don Lemon Show,' to be hosted on X (formerly Twitter). However, after filming an interview with X owner Elon Musk, the partnership was abruptly canceled by Musk, leading Lemon to file a lawsuit in August 2024 for breach of contract, seeking $1.5 million annually.
'The Don Lemon Show' subsequently launched independently, streaming live and on-demand via its official YouTube channel, podcast platforms, and Substack. As of March 2026, his YouTube channel had approximately 1.25 million subscribers. The show features interviews with various guests and newsmakers, covering social issues, politics, and pop culture, with Lemon offering his personal commentary.
In January 2026, Lemon faced significant legal challenges when he was arrested on federal charges. This stemmed from his livestreaming of an anti-ICE protest inside Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, during a worship service on January 18, 2026. Activists alleged a pastor associated with the church held a leadership role within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon was taken into custody on January 29, 2026, and released the following day without bond, pleading not guilty to charges including conspiracy to deprive religious freedom rights and a violation of the FACE Act. He has since asserted his actions were protected by the First Amendment and that he 'will not be silenced.'
As of April 2026, Don Lemon continues his work as an independent journalist through 'The Don Lemon Show' while navigating his federal legal case. In late March and early April 2026, he made headlines again by discussing the possibility of running for President of the United States on the 'Pod Save America' podcast, stating he believes he could 'definitely run this country better than Donald Trump,' though he emphasized he has no immediate plans to launch a campaign.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Don Lemon made different choices?